This is a sustainability-oriented blog. Topics pertaining to colleges and universities, but mainly focus on solutions to non-sustainable practices and trying to address means and methods for resolving them. Energy efficiency (reduce) is a preferred approach here. Sustainability is something that we all have to do, sooner or later! (Low politico please!).

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Here is the information to order your roof from Tesla (that has now merged with SolarCity).

The tempered glass tiles are much stronger, much cheaper and last long (lifetime of the house or infinity warranty, whichever comes first).

Oh, and then there's the PV electricity generation, above that. It is 30-years warranty on the PV, it seems.

This is something that is called an "irrefusable" value proposition. Especially if the house (building) is new, or an older roof that should be replaced within a few years.

Here's how it works. Most of the roof tiles are not PV. Only 30% to 40% of the roof would be in prime solar view. The PV panels are about $40 sq ft, but the averages should be about $22. That also depends on the sizing of the system, no need to over produce in most cases (states).

Apparently, from the street, you can't tell the difference between regular and PV tiles. Top view (helicopter) view you can, although it should be far less conspicuous than the usual PV panels.

Also, remember those 5 GigaFactories for batteries and cars going up around the worlds. Well, couple in US and next one in Europe (?UK?).

The pricing for preorder that started in May 2017, includes an installed 14kWh Powerwall 2 system. With battery backup, they entire building could go off grid, assuming the local power company and state law allow it. A generator (fuel cell) would do the trick.

Of course, hooking to the grid provides the opportunity to sell back to the grid and assist with peaking. This type of building can help twice with peaking. The excess electricity during peak times (heat of the day, usually) can be sold back. The batteries can be used as well at peak. They can be replenished in off times by the PV system or during low-load off-hours by the power company.
This idea of battery pack backup can also apply to your favorite EV car as well. Dare I say Tesla or Bold. If the car will not be used today, why not use it to help with peaking loads, if needed, as needed?

For an existing home/building, you will want to do an energy audit and reduce the energy usage first, then size and install the roof (with power system).